Post by Lady~RavenHeart on Aug 28, 2005 14:00:09 GMT 2
Trigger point therapy involves a therapist applying sustained pressure for anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes at a time at specific trigger points. These points are specific points in the body where muscle pain begins. In fibromyalgia, trigger point therapy may be used to help soothe the pain generated at the several tender points found throughout the body.
Heat therapy is a great way to relax aching or stiff muscles. Unlike arthritis, which involves inflammation and can be aggravated by heat, fibromyalgia pain often responds very well to heat. Heat therapy is thought to work by increasing the amount of blood flow to a given area, thereby allowing the body to flush out toxins and inflammatory products from a site. This is the opposite effect of icing that can slow down the amount of blood flow to an area and decrease the inflammatory response. A hot shower or bath, sitting in a hot tub or spa, or applying a heating pad to sore muscles can provide immediate drug-free relief. Some people also report getting relief from topical “heat-producing” sports ointments like Ben-Gay.
Heat therapy is a great way to relax aching or stiff muscles. Unlike arthritis, which involves inflammation and can be aggravated by heat, fibromyalgia pain often responds very well to heat. Heat therapy is thought to work by increasing the amount of blood flow to a given area, thereby allowing the body to flush out toxins and inflammatory products from a site. This is the opposite effect of icing that can slow down the amount of blood flow to an area and decrease the inflammatory response. A hot shower or bath, sitting in a hot tub or spa, or applying a heating pad to sore muscles can provide immediate drug-free relief. Some people also report getting relief from topical “heat-producing” sports ointments like Ben-Gay.
